Re: Low cost Servo Controller

In a message dated 09/13/1999 3:57:24 PM Hawaiian Standard Time,
dfalck@... writes:

<< Couple that with losing some steps and you're in real trouble. >>

David,
As Dan said above, losing steps is not good. My solution to the lost step
problem was to buy very large steppers along with correspondingly large
drivers. I've not finished building the upgraded power supplies for this
effort but I can tell you, for the money I threw at it, I could have gone
straight to a small DC servo system. Resolution and speed aside, the peace of
mind you get from knowing that the machine cut it to the correct dimensions
is really nice. My application in this case was to cut a wooden part. I
figured a few lost steps was OK. It is OK if you lost only one or two steps
but what's to say you lose only one or two steps? My servo based stuff, I
never worry. I gotta agree with Dan, Jon and the others who promote the EMC
or other servo based solutions to our "problem".
My effort to get another servo based system up is hampered by the lack of
time and enthusiasm to get EMC figured out. Several on the list have offered
to pre-package EMC controllers and I still intend to buy one of those
machines. In the meantime, I can't figure out if Servo To Go has a CNC
software package that (even if of lesser performance) can run their card with
less hassle. I noted the reference to Windows NT etc on their web page but
have not delved into it futher. Perhaps there is a turn key system out there
for us to discover. If there is, I'd really like to install that on another
mill and just cut parts....

Peter
PT Engineering Co